New treatment for cancer available at Carlsbad Medical Center

CARLSBAD >> A new procedure available at the Carlsbad Medical Center is helping reduce the number of esophageal cancer cases in the U.S.

The procedure, known as endoscopic radiofrequency ablation therapy, according to a news release, is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 30 minutes and can have a huge impact reducing the number of patients who suffer from cancer of the esophagus, which is the fastest growing form of cancer in the U.S.

Dr. Salim Amrani, a general surgeon on the medical staff at CMC, has been trained in the new therapy which removes pre-cancerous cells from the esophagus with a targeted procedure, leaving behind healthy cells to regenerate.

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Carlsbad Medical Center will also be opening a new 300,000 Oncology Unit February 14, where cancer patients can receive radiation therapy

"The main purpose of the ablation procedure to ablate, or remove the abnormal esophageal lining. The tissue then regenerates and normal tissue grows back," said Amrani.

"Data from studies shows that the treatment is highly effective. In fact, it looks very promising."

These cells are due to a disease known as Barrett's esophagus, which develops from gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease whose early indicator is heartburn.

According to the news release, those patients suffering from Barrett's esophagus have a 40 to 130 times risk of developing cancer. And often, those who are diagnosed are in the late stages with only a 16 percent five year survival rate.

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The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the esophagus where the radiofrequency therapy is delivered directly to the area affected.

"Previously we could use ablation therapy to remove or destroy pre-cancerous tissue, but the technology had limitations and wasn't widely used," Amrani said.

The new system now in practice at the CMC, according to him, is better able to target and effectively treat patients.

Amrani will be presenting a seminar free of charge on Barrett's esophagus February 19 at 4 p.m. at the CMC.

Carlsbad Medical Center will also be opening a new $300,000 Oncology Unit February 14, where cancer patients can receive radiation therapy. The public is invited to the ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. for the new facility February 14 at the CMC.

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